INEC’s New Chief, Amupitan, Pledges Credible Elections — Faces Scrutiny Over Promises Of Reform & Independence
By NJORIGE LYNUS
NIGERIA’S newly confirmed Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Joash Amupitan, has entered the political spotlight with bold promises to restore integrity and public trust in the country’s electoral process. His commitment to making elections so credible that “the loser will congratulate the winner” has ignited widespread debate across political and civic circles.
Amupitan, a law professor and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was confirmed by the Senate after a rigorous screening session during which he outlined an ambitious reform blueprint for INEC. Central to his agenda are ethical accountability, internal transparency, and technological innovation to secure Nigeria’s electoral process from manipulation and inefficiency.
A Reform Blueprint for INEC
In his presentation before the Senate Committee of the Whole, Amupitan pledged to rebuild INEC’s image by addressing both human and systemic weaknesses that have long plagued Nigeria’s elections. He proposed the establishment of an internal ethics committee to review misconduct within the Commission and enforce disciplinary actions against erring staff.
“We will set up an ethical committee to review what happened because people have reported, and nothing was done. We will pursue every complaint and follow through,” he stated.
He further revealed plans to introduce a whistleblower policy aimed at exposing electoral malpractice, collusion, and financial mismanagement within the Commission. According to him, INEC under his leadership will prioritise accountability and moral conduct as pillars of institutional reform.
Technology as a Game-Changer
Professor Amupitan underscored the vital role of technology in achieving credible elections, promising to leverage digital tools, including drones, for election logistics and security monitoring. He expressed determination to ensure that no voter is disenfranchised due to inaccessibility, particularly in remote or conflict-prone areas.
“Security is a major challenge,” he said. “We will work with the security agencies to strengthen logistics and ensure that all parts of Nigeria are covered. Even if we need to use drones, we will do so. No voter will be left behind.”
He also pledged to conduct a forensic audit of INEC’s technological platforms—especially the Results Viewing Portal (IReV) and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS)—which were at the centre of public dissatisfaction during the 2023 elections. Amupitan acknowledged that while both systems were designed to improve transparency, technical hitches and poor communication had undermined their credibility.
“The IReV portal was never intended to replace manual collation but to provide checks and balances,” he explained. “Unfortunately, this was not properly clarified before the 2023 elections, creating widespread misunderstanding.”
To address these issues, Amupitan said INEC would work with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), and telecommunications companies to strengthen the reliability of digital election infrastructure.
Institutional Independence and Funding
The new INEC chairman also emphasised the need to protect the Commission’s autonomy, lamenting that delayed funding and political interference had compromised its independence in the past. He pledged to work with the National Assembly to ensure that INEC’s finances are released on time, in line with constitutional provisions requiring electoral funds to be disbursed at least a year before general elections.
“Although the law provides for early release of funds, this has not always been implemented,” Amupitan said. “We will ensure that INEC truly operates as an independent body in both spirit and practice.”
He further promised to enforce strict compliance with procurement laws, ensuring that every naira allocated to INEC is spent transparently and prudently. “There are enough laws on public funds management. We will enforce them and save where possible,” he added.
Public Confidence and Civic Education
Beyond institutional and technological reforms, Amupitan placed strong emphasis on civic engagement and voter education. He argued that building citizens’ trust in the electoral process requires an informed electorate that understands its rights and responsibilities.
“We will build the capacity of all stakeholders and embark on aggressive civic education,” he noted. “Democracy thrives only when citizens are empowered with knowledge.”
He also reiterated INEC’s commitment to streamlining election timelines, eliminating ambiguities, and ensuring timely communication to prevent confusion and speculation.
Reactions from Civil Society and Analysts
While Amupitan’s reform agenda has drawn commendation from some quarters, it has also been met with cautious optimism by civil society organisations and democracy advocates. Yiaga Africa’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, described Amupitan’s pledges as “ambitious but testable,” adding that the true test of his leadership will be seen in upcoming state elections, such as the Anambra governorship poll.
“Will he subject the backend of the BVAS/IReV to public scrutiny? Will he ensure there are no sacred cows within INEC? His first test will be in Anambra, and Nigerians will be watching,” Itodo said.
Similarly, the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) noted that while every new INEC chair promises reform, sustaining independence in the face of political pressure is the real challenge. CDD’s Director, Dr. Dauda Garuba, remarked, “Every person who has occupied that position has made similar promises. Living up to them is what matters.”
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) also urged Amupitan to match words with courage. Its Programme Officer, Gimba Suleiman, emphasised that genuine independence requires constitutional and financial reforms that shield INEC from executive interference.
“For INEC to be truly independent, its budget must be directly charged to the Consolidated Revenue Fund, like the National Assembly and Judiciary,” Suleiman stated.
CISLAC further advised Amupitan to institutionalise citizen participation, enact INEC’s operational guidelines into law, and ensure election petitions are resolved before winners are sworn into office.
Legal Integrity and Public Trust
Amupitan’s credibility has also been a subject of scrutiny following allegations that he previously represented President Bola Tinubu, Atiku Abubakar, or Peter Obi in the 2023 election tribunal cases. He firmly denied the claims during his Senate screening, producing certified court records to prove he had no involvement in any of the cases.
“I never appeared in the presidential election tribunal or at the Supreme Court,” he told lawmakers, seeking to dispel doubts about his neutrality.
The Road Ahead
Amupitan’s appointment has been described by the Grassroots Centre for Rights and Civic Orientation (GRACO) as a “critical national assignment at a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s democratic evolution.” GRACO’s Executive Director, Armsfree Ajanaku, praised the professor’s professional integrity and regional neutrality, saying these qualities could help restore confidence in Nigeria’s elections ahead of 2027.
Still, as several analysts have pointed out, the burden of proof rests on Amupitan’s shoulders. Nigeria’s electoral integrity has suffered repeated blows — from logistical failures to political interference — leaving many citizens skeptical of official assurances.
For now, Amupitan’s message of reform, transparency, and independence offers a renewed sense of hope. Yet, as history has shown, good intentions alone are not enough. The credibility of Nigeria’s next elections — and the legacy of INEC’s new chairman — will depend on how swiftly and boldly he turns his promises into action.